City Targets Illegal Dumping With New Plan
A renewed effort to curb illegal dumping in Lakeland acknowledges that property owners are often victims and seeks their cooperation in cleaning the properties. More
Neighborhoods
Speed Tables Pondered as Another Swan Dies on Lake Morton Drive
After a swan and an ibis were hit and killed by cars on Lake Morton Drive last week, city officials have increased police patrols and are considering adding two raised crosswalks and more 20-mph signs along the highly traveled road.
Mirrorton Seen as a Different Kind of Rental Community
The 305-unit Mirrorton rental community being built north of Lake Mirror will lack fences and gates, making it feel more like a neighborhood than an apartment community, a representative of Flournoy Construction Group said today at a “groundbreaking” ceremony. Representatives of the city of Lakeland and developer The Framework Group of Tampa participated. In the following video, the ceremony starts at about 1:40. More
Southgate Arch Getting Its Glow Back Via LEDs, Not Neon
The iconic 70-foot arch at Southgate Shopping Center lost its nighttime neon glow years ago, but newly installed LED lighting will simulate the look. No word yet on when it will get turned on, but it was tested recently and Babe’s Shoes & Apparel posted photos to Facebook.
City Set to Approve Affordable Housing Land Bank Program
City commissioners are expected to approve an affordable housing plan Monday that encourages building homes on vacant city-owned lots and selling them to residents who have very-low to moderate incomes. More
Public Info Session Focuses on Airport’s 20-Year Plan
Residents interested in learning more about the future of Lakeland Linder Airport will have a chance to ask questions and voice opinions at a public meeting Wednesday from 4 to 7 p.m. at the airport terminal. Topics addressed in the airport’s 20-year master plan include runway expansion, and the airport director encourages potential homeowners in fast-growing southwest Lakeland to “know what’s happening before they buy a home” | City of Lakeland news release
Citrusy, Summery Mural at The Yard on Mass
The corner of Massachusetts and Parker got brightened up this week when artist Gillian Fazio painted a citrusy summerscape on the wall of The Yard on Mass facing Parker Street.
City Considers Raising Fines for Repeat Lot-Cleaning Violators
Frustrated that many vacant lots are used as illegal dumping grounds, city commissioners are pondering whether to raise fines for property owners, many of whom live out of state, who repeatedly violate lot-cleaning rules. The city pays to have the lots cleaned and mowed, and Commissioner Scott Franklin says the repeat offenders must consider the current fees and fines (typically $261 to $546) a cost of doing business | Latest list of violators
Southside Sign Sayings Still Amuse Passersby
The Southside Cleaners witty-sayings sign looming over South Florida Avenue in Dixieland is one of the most iconic signs in Lakeland. “This has been so much fun, more than you can imagine,” said Greg Myers, owner of the Southside Cleaners. More
Affordable Housing Building Near Tigertown Progresses
Plans for affordable workforce apartments near Tigertown are a step closer. Developer Green Mills Group of Fort Lauderdale was selected for an $8 million state Community Development Block Grant for disaster recovery to build the 80-unit Parker Pointe building on East Bella Vista Street.